Exploring the Art of Black and White Photography
My artistic roots are solidly in black and white photography. It was my introduction to the medium when I was a boy hanging out in my Dad’s darkroom, and is still my first and greatest love. Black and white photographs have a classic look that captures the essence of a subject when color photographs often cannot. The absence of color allows me to focus on composition, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow, a simpler palette that requires more nuanced interpretation on my part in order to convey my intent in making a photograph. It can lead to a more compelling, powerful photograph.
Today’s black and white photographers trace their roots back to a pioneering group of photographers in California that included Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham and, of course, Ansel Adams. I’ve learned so much by studying the work of these and many other classic photographers, and I believe that their influence is obvious in my work.
Clearing Storm, Norwegian Sea, Lofoten Islands, Norway
This was one of those photographs you can see forming from a long way off, and are driving like mad to get into position before the drama is lost. I wasn't able to make many exposures before I lost the light, but the interplay of the sea and mountains with the sun peeking layers of clouds wa an amazing experience!
